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My first time posting my bike here. I bought a new 2017 Giant TCR Advanced SL2 a little while ago. Giant is really cheap in Korea, so I got a really good deal, and I'm really loving the bike so far. My previous bike was a 2014 Cervelo S3. I rode that pretty much stock without much concern for weight, but the much lighter TCR has inspired me to make some changes. I've only done a few minor things so far, but I have a few more things planned.

Coming soon:
I just got a good deal on a set of Dura Ace 9000 cranks in 165mm, as I've been wanting to try shorter cranks. I'm also planning to cut the steerer and replace the expander. I'm hoping these two changes gets me close to 6.8kg. I am also currently looking at a new cockpit setup, but I'm a bit limited with the 1.25" steerer. I'm also planning to change the Giant tubeless tire setup. I have a new set of Vittoria Corsa G+ tires, but I may wait until I get a new wheelset and keep the stock tubeless setup for winter/training. I am considering a Giant SLR 0 Aero wheelset, which will be a small weight penalty over the stock SLR 1 climbing wheel setup. Perhaps in the near future, I'll swap to a full Dura Ace 9000 setup.

Any comments or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

Last edited by JS300 on Wed Jan 31, 2018 5:32 am, edited 9 times in total.

Swapping to the DA crank will get you 60 grams, but the levers will get you the same 60 grams and can usually be found for much cheaper.

Thanks! That site is really helpful. I already bought the DA crank, as I've been looking to try 165mm (vs the 170mm stock Ultegra cranks). The 5mm difference probably won't have a huge effect, but being short, I am hoping there might be some benefit. I found a DA crankset that was not much more expensive than Ultegra, so I bought it. I'm planning to install them in the next day or two.

I think I will look at swapping the rest of the groupset to DA later on. I figure it would be easier to replace the derailleurs, brakes, and levers at the same time rather than piecemeal.

JS300 wrote:Thanks! That site is really helpful. I already bought the DA crank, as I've been looking to try 165mm (vs the 170mm stock Ultegra cranks). The 5mm difference probably won't have a huge effect, but being short, I am hoping there might be some benefit. I found a DA crankset that was not much more expensive than Ultegra, so I bought it. I'm planning to install them in the next day or two.

I think I will look at swapping the rest of the groupset to DA later on. I figure it would be easier to replace the derailleurs, brakes, and levers at the same time rather than piecemeal.

Swapping the cranks for length is a good reason, especially if you got them for a good price. I mentioned the levers, only because it seemed like you were looking for some spots to save weight that weren't too costly. You can usually find DA levers, used but in great condition, for like $225 US on eBay. and then factor in selling your ultra levers and its not much money at all.

Really nice picture. There is an endless amount of material written about crank length, but 165mm is usually a good match with an xs frame unless you have very long legs. I recently switched from 172.5 to 170, and I think I like the 170s better. Knees feel a little farther from the chest. It's only 2.5mm farther, and I probably can't really tell the difference, but I feel like I can tell the difference. Definitely lighter though

CrankAddictsRich wrote:Swapping the cranks for length is a good reason, especially if you got them for a good price. I mentioned the levers, only because it seemed like you were looking for some spots to save weight that weren't too costly. You can usually find DA levers, used but in great condition, for like $225 US on eBay. and then factor in selling your ultra levers and its not much money at all.

Thanks for the additional info. I will keep a look out for a good deal on the levers (and the rest of the groupset). I installed the cranks today. I'll post an update shortly.

Thanks. I considered lighter pedals, but for now I'm happy with how solid and smooth the Dura-Ace are. But who knows, maybe I'll change my mind.

grumpus wrote:Really nice picture. There is an endless amount of material written about crank length, but 165mm is usually a good match with an xs frame unless you have very long legs. I recently switched from 172.5 to 170, and I think I like the 170s better. Knees feel a little farther from the chest. It's only 2.5mm farther, and I probably can't really tell the difference, but I feel like I can tell the difference. Definitely lighter though

Thanks. I installed the crankset today. I haven't had a chance to ride yet, but I will likely get out for a bit later today. My legs are definitely not long for my body. I've ridden 170s for the last 3 years without any issues, but I'm hoping the 165s will make some difference. We'll see.

totalcompactroad wrote:How did you find fitting the aircap? I'm tempted to do it on mine but looks a bit fiddly

I actually just had my local shop do it when I went in to order my wheels. But watching him work on it, it seemed pretty straightforward. The glue sets in about 15 minutes, and everything feels solid once finished. And it is definitely light.